The Ducks have proven themselves to be one of the Top 10 programs in all of college football. Money, marketing, Nike, and carefully-crafted branding have taken Oregon into the echelon of elite. But, to truly get into that unquestioned “blue-blood” status, the Ducks have to win a championship. Perspective Like a 16-year-old, upset that rich mommy and daddy “only” bought ...

Oregon Ducks: The Last step is the Hardest

Awesome article Darren. I guess we will have to wait before we start knashing our teeth over the coordinators.

Everything happens in its own time. I believe Lanning has learned lots. How you develop coordinators matters as much as giving them the reigns.

I saw marked improvement from Lupoi and Stein this year. But it wasn't enough. Of course, the players have to step into their roles and execute. But it starts with the coaches.

Honestly, it revolves around recruiting. Does anyone think Mario is the second best coach in the nation this year? Coaches are only as good as the talent and depth they recruit.

Mehringer is considered a top recruiter, and the same for Hampton. They are young and fit the mold that DL has stuck with since he was hired. Mehringer is not a grizzled veteran, but also not wet behind the ears.

DL has hired 3 OCs in 4 seasons, and two are head coaches, with one making a trip to the CFP.

In 2023 Washington was that team. A great coach with a great QB and receivers and a roster filled with seniors that decided to run it back one more time.

In 2024 tOSU was that team. A near NFL ready offense and defense with a sketchy floor but also a spectacular vaulted ceiling.

In 2025 Indiana is that team. A roster stacked with 5th and 6th year seniors and awesome coach and a Heisman QB.

The 2026 Ducks are starting to look like that team. A large group of NFL ready players deciding to run it back one more time, a four and five star roster at every position and even with a mass exodus to the portal, a two deep with four stars at every position. As for the coach? He is 17-1 in the BIG including 9-0 on the road.

I know that SUC is the undisputed wait till next season champions but I think things are shaping up nicely for the Ducks to make a real run at a Natty.

4 hours ago, Mike West said:

Awesome article Darren. I guess we will have to wait before we start knashing our teeth over the coordinators.

Everything happens in its own time. I believe Lanning has learned lots. How you develop coordinators matters as much as giving them the reigns.

I saw marked improvement from Lupoi and Stein this year. But it wasn't enough. Of course, the players have to step into their roles and execute. But it starts with the coaches.

Thanks, Mike. Yes, time will tell...

3 hours ago, Drake said:

Honestly, it revolves around recruiting. Does anyone think Mario is the second best coach in the nation this year? Coaches are only as good as the talent and depth they recruit.

Mehringer is considered a top recruiter, and the same for Hampton. They are young and fit the mold that DL has stuck with since he was hired. Mehringer is not a grizzled veteran, but also not wet behind the ears.

DL has hired 3 OCs in 4 seasons, and two are head coaches, with one making a trip to the CFP.

Good points. Marrying great talent with great coaching is the goal. Conversely, TCU in 2022 and UW in 2023 were not elite in talent, but made it to the big game. There's always exceptions either way.

3 hours ago, The Kamikaze Kid said:

In 2023 Washington was that team. A great coach with a great QB and receivers and a roster filled with seniors that decided to run it back one more time.

In 2024 tOSU was that team. A near NFL ready offense and defense with a sketchy floor but also a spectacular vaulted ceiling.

In 2025 Indiana is that team. A roster stacked with 5th and 6th year seniors and awesome coach and a Heisman QB.

The 2026 Ducks are starting to look like that team. A large group of NFL ready players deciding to run it back one more time, a four and five star roster at every position and even with a mass exodus to the portal, a two deep with four stars at every position. As for the coach? He is 17-1 in the BIG including 9-0 on the road.

I know that SUC is the undisputed wait till next season champions but I think things are shaping up nicely for the Ducks to make a real run at a Natty.

Agreed, it does look like things are shaping up nicely for next year. good points